Use of dietary fibre supplement in a food formulation

Abstract

Use of dietary fibre material extracted from sugarcane in the manufacture of a food product that is formulated to ameliorate the effects of intestinal tract disorders such as Coeliac's disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The invention relates to the field of food and food supplement manufacture. In particular, the invention relates to a dietary fibre supplement, the use of food products containing said supplement and its method of manufacture.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Consumption of dietary fibre is an essential part of healthy digestive function. It aids in the absorption of nutrients, in feeding gut flora, and in physically scouring the intestine to help turn over the lining of the lumen.[0003]Too little consumption of dietary fibre has been linked to a number of conditions such as constipation, diarrhoea, and even colorectal cancer. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has estimated that the average person in the developed world is deficient in their daily dietary fibre intake by as much as 15 g.[0004]This problem is of particular concern for the subset of the population that suffer from digestive disorders, such as Coeliac disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). An...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0031]Preferably, the sugar cane fibre is prepared via a process including the steps of: subjecting the sugar cane material to at least one wet diffusion step to separate sugars from a residual fibre material; and subjecting the residual fibre material to a rapid, low-heat drying process thereby to retain the biologically active molecules in the fibre, and to enhance the water retention properties of said residual fibre product.

[0032]There are a number of advantages to using this particular fibre source in the way described above. Firstly, no adverse allergic effects have ever been recorded with this source. Also, this fibre source has been shown to improve gut lining health over and above other sources of fibre. It contains benefits of both soluble and insoluble fibre and has a ratio of fibres that more accurately represents natural foods than other products. It is also high in other micronutrients such as iron and has the ability to protect antioxidants.

[0034]The invention also allows more flexible product formats to be developed, in particular that allow sufferers of gut health problems to address to deficiency in their own way, especially when provided with the correct type of fibre in a relatively easy-to-use format. Sufferers no longer have to rely on food manufacturers to generate high fibre foods that they can eat.

Problems solved by technology

Coeliacs therefore suffer two-fold in that their digestive tract already functions sub-optimally, and they are also lacking sufficient dietary fibre to maintain normal gut function.

Though fibre can be found in many woody vegetables it is still extremely difficult for someone who is intolerant to gluten to consume enough dietary fibre.

Sufferers of IBS also have problems with many sources of fibre though for different reasons.

A symptom associated with IBS is that the lining of the gut becomes inflamed making it uncomfortable or painful to digest food.

IBS often results in constipation which is difficult to treat on a long term basis due to sensitivity to many forms of fibre.

While this fibre does not contain gluten and is relatively gentle to the intestines it does have several drawbacks:1. It is composed almost entirely from soluble fibre, which does not mimic the natural constituents of dietary fibre from a normal diet.2. It is difficult to use, e.g. it cannot readily be formulated into a pre-made drink as it forms a ‘gel-like’ consistency when mixed with liquids.3. Prolonged consumption can lead to blockages of the oesophagus, stomach and / or gut.4. Many people who suffer from grass allergies are also allergic to this source of fibre.